Retired1

ChiSue I had to laugh: Original Hawaii Five-O is my handsdown fav show of all time. I fell in love with Jack Lord then when I was what, nine? And even though he's passed away and I'm old(er), I still think he is the hottest thing ever. I actually am considering the Ilikai just because, well you know! The opening scene! Too funny.

I'm glad you and Paula have brought up valid reasons to stay in town. I admit, I have kind of pictured it in my mind like being in NYC on a beach. I'll check out the RH too Paula1470. I do like NYC , just didn't want all that commotion at the end of vacation.

Also, anybody have opinions about the Banyan condos?

Thanks again.

simpsonc510

Funny you should mention Hawaii Five-O. The 100th episode of the new version was celebrated on the beach in Waikiki last night. I had a fairly good view of the festivities from my balcony at the Marriott Resort. The stars were there, and there was a screening of that 100th episode. Right now Waikiki is unbelievably busy. I have been coming here annually for a number of years, usually early September. It isn't usually this busy. Next year I might consider late September or early October.

If you can afford to stay at Royal Hawaiian I think you would find it to be a quiet refuge along Waikiki.

sunbum1944

Many years ago when I lived in Honolulu, my husband was an extra in Hawaii 5-0 several times.
Never got a talking part but it was fun to watch his short parts in several of the episodes.

ElendilPickle

We stayed at the Waikiki Sand Villa http://sandvillahotel.com/ in March. Our room faced the canal, and it was quiet, clean, and very comfortable - didn't feel like I was anywhere near NYC! You do have to pay for parking, but the rate was pretty low.

Lee Ann

MelissaHI

FYI Pearl Harbor is NOT in the Waikiki area. Diamond Head is just outside of the Waikiki area, but close.

I wouldn't stay in Waimanalo....it's slightly too far and I can't believe it only takes half an hour to get to the airport from there. I live in town, and it takes me at least 20 minutes to get from Kailua (with no traffic). So be sure you check on that.

If you can afford it, why not stay at the Kahala Resort? That is on the OTHER side of Diamond Head, farther from Waikiki but still close enough to metro Honolulu. Lotus & New Otani are good choices, too, if not.

Retired1

Neato! MelissaHI thanks for the time-travel tips. I think advertisements "deflate" the time it takes to get places and since you live there I would believe you over an advert! I'm going to re-check on the Kahala.
Simspon how neat that you could see that 100th episode celebration from your place! I did look at the RH and wow it is rather pricey. Very nice, but pricey. Not counting it out, but I was just a little stunned at the price.
Thanks again all.

MelissaHI

Also as far as driving: Download the (free) Oahu traffic app if you have a smartphone or tablet
www.GoAkamai.org

You can always look at the website, but on the go — provided you have someone in the car with you looking — the app is very helpful. It shows you the Oahu traffic cams, a traffic map with congestion and construction, and estimated drive times (which I never look at, because I am skeptical).

Retired1

THANKS!I love that you're skeptical too. Will put on the phone.

tracilee

We just returned from Ko Olina and stayed at the Beach Villas next door to the Marriott. We rented through VRBO and I believe the resort has a minimum 6 night rental, so that would probably not work for you. There are three other properties, JW Mariott, a regular Marriott and a Disney property, Aulani.

I really liked the area, there were lots of restaurants and the beach lagoons were beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the area was, but perhaps it was because of our timing - the week after Labor Day. We went into Honolulu one evening and it was very busy; it was fun for a few hours but not my idea of a relaxed vacation spot. I would definitely stay in Ko Olina again.

It took us about 20 minutes to get to the airport and about 35 or so minutes to Honolulu.